Тhe creative contest “Abai Shаkirti – 2025” was held through the organization and sponsorship of the scholars of the Department of Chinese Studies

Associate Professor of the Department of Chinese Studies and well-known Kazakh sinologist Fatimabibi Nogaykyzy Daulet, together with her students and the teaching staff of the “Ozat” Primary School in Almaty, organized the creative contest “Abai Shаkirtі – 2025”, dedicated to the 180th anniversary of the birth of Abai Kunanbayev. The event aimed to enrich the spiritual world of the younger generation, introduce children to the intellectual legacy of the great Kazakh thinker, and foster their artistic and creative abilities. The contest brought together 40 pupils from grades 1–4, who delivered expressive recitations of Abai’s poems, excerpts from his poetic works, and passages from the Book of Words (Qara Sоzder), demonstrating their deep respect for his literary and philosophical heritage. A significant contribution to the preparation and implementation of the event was made by the professor’s students — Gulmira Katbayeva, Gulnira Rakhimbayeva, Baknar Dankei, Ardak Ershat, Arman Maden, and Zhuldyz Nauryzbekkyzy, who ensured a high organizational standard and the meaningful content of the contest. Fatimabibi Nogaykyzy, together with her students, also acted as a sponsor of the event and presented valuable gifts to all 40 participants, providing strong motivation for the young talents and reinforcing their interest in Abai’s creative legacy. This initiative proved significant not only for the primary school pupils but also became an important cultural and educational event that allowed the broader public to become acquainted with the academic values, scholarly traditions, and humanistic mission of the al-Farabi Kazakh National University. The professor and her students demonstrated the high methodological potential of the university, its commitment to public service, and its active engagement in promoting national cultural and spiritual heritage. The contest served as a vivid example of intergenerational continuity within Kazakhstani academia. Young researchers and master’s students of the Department of Chinese Studies had a unique opportunity to strengthen their professional competencies, gain pedagogical experience, and acquire practical skills in community and educational outreach. Their engagement with the young contestants and participation as members of the jury became an important stage in their development as future specialists in the humanities. The creative contest “Abai Shаkirtі – 2025” made a valuable contribution to the spiritual development of the younger generation, to the promotion of Abai’s legacy, and to the support of children’s artistic expression. At the same time, the event reaffirmed the scientific and academic traditions of KazNU, the collaborative spirit between teachers and students, and the living continuity of generations within the national educational and scholarly community.